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“Are you sure?” Ethan places a hand on my arm. “We can go somewhere else.”
“Where are we going to get last-minute reservations on a Saturday night?” Veronica asks, but closes her mouth when Ethan shoots her a silencing glare.
“Ethan’s right,” Matt says. “Let’s eat somewhere else.”
I’m touched by his willingness, knowing it was tough for him to get this reservation. And if he cancels now, at the eleventh hour, he isn’t likely to get them again, either. “Thanks. I appreciate that. But I’ll be fine,” I insist, trying to convince myself more than anyone when, in reality, this could quite easily be one of the worst decisions I’ve ever made.
CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
Rowen leads us into the main dining area conga-line style. Except, instead of hands on waists, he has Matt place a hand on his shoulder, followed by Veronica, then me, and lastly, Ethan.
His hand feels hot against my bare skin, and I try not to melt beneath his touch as his fingertips graze my collarbone.
Once inside, I’m struck by the complete and utter darkness. If there’s something blacker than pitch, this is it. Apart from the dots on the floor, glowing faintly, I can’t see anything, not even a single silhouette. My throat goes dry.
“It’s fine. Everything’s fine,” I whisper under my breath, reminding myself I’m not trapped, and I can leave whenever I want.
Ethan applies firm, steady pressure to my shoulder, reassuring me of his presence, and I breathe a little easier.
Although the room is deprived of even the faintest glimmer of light, it isn’t devoid of sound. The din of laughter, conversation, and the clinking of flatware against china hums around us, at once foreign and familiar. I never realized how much I took my sight for granted, and it’s an unusual experience to suddenly find myself without it.
Rowen guides each of us to our seat, in turn placing our hand on the water glass, plate, and utensils, familiarizing us with the layout of the table.
“How often do people spill their water?” I ask Rowen with a nervous laugh.
“Not as often as you’d think.”
While I take comfort in that knowledge, I also know if anyonewereto spill their beverage tonight, I’d be the most likely culprit.
Once we’re situated, Rowen leaves us with the promise he’ll return shortly with our first course.
“I don’t think I’m the right demographic for this experience.” Veronica’s voice lilts on my left. “What’s the point of getting dressed up for dinner if no one can see you?”
“Because it’s all about the food,” Matt tells her. “Just wait until you taste it. All the reviews say it’s unreal, like you suddenly have superhero taste buds.”
“I’d read that comic book,” Ethan laughs.
“What’s the tagline?” I ask. “Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to taste every ingredient in a single bite.”
Matt and Ethan laugh at my variation of Superman’s catchphrase, and the comforting sound eases some of my lingering apprehension. There’s a small chance I might actually enjoy myself.
By the time the food arrives, I’vealmostforgotten I can’t see my hand in front of my face, let alone my fork. Rowen helps me find it again, and after I stab around my plate for a few moments, I finally bring my first bite to my lips. Notes of citrus and cardamom burst across my tongue, followed by something I don’t recognize. The intense flavors swirl in my mouth, both savory and sweet, in an intoxicating combination. I have no idea what I’m eating, but I do know one thing: I can’t get enough of it.
After we’ve had fun trying to guess our first course, Matt surprises me by saying, “Let’s all make a toast to Quincy.”
“Another great idea, Matt,” Ethan says jovially. Although similar in age, they weren’t that close when we were growing up. My heart warms to see—or rather,hear—them getting along. It may be greedy to want my new life in New Yorkanda relationship with my siblings, but I can’t help holding on to the dream. And catching a glimpse, like tonight, only makes me cling tighter.
“Lead the way, Delaney,” Matt tells him, equally affable.
“To Quincy,” Ethan says, and I picture him raising his glass. “You’ve tackled a new city and new experiences, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. While it hasn’t always been easy, you haven’t backed down. You’ve met each new challenge with courage, grace, and humor. And I couldn’t admire you more.”
“Hear! Hear!” Matt cheers, and for once, I’m thankful for the darkness so no one can see my tears of happiness. Hands down, this is one of the best nights of my life, and I never want it to end.
“To Quincy.” Matt’s deep voice carries across the table. “It’s no secret you used to lack follow-through. And I admit, I didn’t think we’d see you cross that finish line today.”
For a moment, I flash back to all those Christmases we sat side by side in the living room, waiting to report on our Christmas Commitments. My stomach clenches with a similar foreboding, preparing for more of Matt’s trademark teasing.
“But when you did,” he continues, “I realized how far you’ve come. Literally over twenty-six miles.” He chuckles, then adds with a more serious tone, “But it wasn’t the physical distance that’s most impressive. You’ve come far as a person. And I’m proud of you, Quince.”
